M. Joan Alexander Research Scientist

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AIRS: Atmospheric Infrared Sounder


AIRS observations of a mountain wave event off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula and in cross section (below) [Alexander and Teitelbaum, 2007].


AIRS can image gravity waves in the stratosphere at high horizontal resolution. The waves are visible in individual temperature sensing channels in the 15 micron and 4.2 micron band CO2 emission. They can also be seen in temperature retrievals in some cases. We have two publications describing mountain wave events in AIRS data. [Alexander and Barnet, 2007; Alexander and Teitelbaum, 2007]. We are also currently developing several cases of waves generated by convection seen by AIRS.

AIRS website is http://www-airs.jpl.nasa.gov/